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Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Subject to availability.Room type and prices are subject to hotel availability. For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com.

Note: Travelers must undergo standard immigration and customs procedures upon arrival in Argentina. This includes showing proof that the Argentinean entry fee was paid online prior to entry. Officials at the immigration counter will only accept copies of the official receipt as proof of payment. The receipt contains a bar code and is titled "Tasa de Reciprocidad/Reciprocity Rate."
The entry fee must be paid online at www.provinciapagos.com.ar or at www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesible/.

Morning: Arrivals at the Ministro Pistarini de Ezeiza International Airport. Proceed through Immigrations and Customs before exiting the secured area of the airport and meeting the Road Scholar representative in the arrivals hall.

Transfer to the hotel for check-in. Early check-in is based on hotel availability and is at the discretion of the hotel. Participants will be able to store luggage at the hotel until their rooms become available. Early check-in can only be guaranteed by booking/paying for an additional night at the hotel. Those interested in reserving an additional night should contact the program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com for assistance.

NOTE: The airport is located approximately 22 miles outside of Buenos Aires and the drive into the city normally takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Free time until the program orientation in the afternoon.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Program orientation.
Lecture: Buenos Aires: The Heartbeat of Argentina.

Field trip to the Teatro Colon.

Since 1908 visitors have marveled at the imposing seven-story Teatro Colón, a truly world-class center for opera, ballet and classical music. The current building replaced the original Teatro Colon that was located in front of the Plaza de Mayo from 1857-1888. Some of the highly acclaimed artists who have graced the theater’s stage include Enrico Caruso, Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti, Maria Callas, Yo-Yo Ma, Anna Pavlova, Rudolf Nureyev, Margot Fonteyn, Mikhail Barishnikov, and Vaslav Nijinski.

Before dinner, enjoy a wine tasting at a local cellar/bar. Learn about some of Argentina's famed regional wines.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Subject to availability.Room type and prices are subject to hotel availability. For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com.

Morning: Orientation to Buenos Aires with stops at Plaza de Mayo, La Boca and Recoleta. On-site lectures by the group leader will discuss the cultural influence of immigrants in Buenos Aires and the phenomenon that is Evita.

Visit one of the city's oldest cemetery's in the wealthy Recoleta neighborhood for a look at Eva Peron's final resting place.

Lunch: Lunch is on your own, in Recoleta, to enjoy local fare.

Afternoon: Time at leisure to explore Buenos Aires on your own.

Lecture: The Tango, A Symbol of the Spirit of the City.

Dinner: Depart for a local restaurant for dinner and a Tango and Folkloric Show.

Morning: Transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Ushuaia. The flight takes approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes.

Ushuaia is one of the southernmost cities in the world and the principal starting point for most expeditions to Antarctica. It is located on the main island in Tierra del Fuego, overlooking Ushuaia Bay and the Beagle Channel. Anglican missionaries moved to the area in the 1870’s and were the first foreigners to permanently live in the archipelago. Until then, the lands had been inhabited by the Yamana people (also called Yahgan). Sadly, the indigenous population began to decrease as more and more European immigrants moved to the area in search of gold, sheep farming opportunities, or missionary work. Not much is left of the Yamana these days, save the name Ushuaia; their name for the area.

Lunch: Snacks will be provided during the flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.

Argentina's Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego, located approximately 7.4 miles west of Ushuaia, was the country's first shoreline park. Native forests of lengas, coihues, ñires, canelos, and mossy foliage are home to guanacos, foxes, and muskrats. Short trails follow the southern edges of the park, providing visitors with scenic views of the Ensenada and Lapataia Bays, and the famous Beagle Channel. Sea birds are abundant along the coast and include albatross, terns, geese, ducks, and gulls. Also be on the lookout for condors, Magellanic woodpeckers, and Austral conures. A 5 mile trail that leads west from Bahia Ensenada passes through an area of archaeological importance; grass covered shell mounds left by the Yamaná (a.k.a. Yahgan) inhabitants hundreds of years ago.

Lunch: Enjoy a typical lamb barbecue.

Afternoon: After lunch, pay a visit to Ushuaia's Maritime Museum.

During the early 20th century, the Argentine government established a prison in Ushuaia, deciding that its remote location would make escape virtually impossible. The prisoners were used to build the town and establish a railway (now called the End of the World Train). Although the prison was closed in 1947, the buildings still remain and are now part of a naval museum. Visitors can still see some of the original structures built by prisoners while touring the older sections of the city. The museum displays include scale models of ships and historic information about Tierra del Fuego’s indigenous people and the European pirates and explorers who sailed to this remote part of South America.

Transfer to Ushuaia's port to begin embarkation procedures on the MV Via Australis.
Enjoy a cocktail reception hosted by the MV Australis' captain and crew.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Six: Saturday, February 15 - Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay.

Breakfast: On board the MV Via Australis.

Morning: This morning we will navigate through the Murray Channel and Nassay Bay on our way to Cape Horn National Park.

Group leader lecture: Life at the End of the Earth.

Lunch: On board the MV Via Australis.

Afternoon: Disembark at Wulaia Bay (weather permitting) for a walking exploration of Cape Horn National Park. Walk through a Magellanic forest of lengas, coihues, canelos, ferns and other native vegetation to reach a look-out point.

Cape Horn is located in the southern part of the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago and is considered by most to be the southernmost point in South America. The gale force winds, strong currents, and unpredictable weather around Cape Horn make it especially challenging to sail these waters. This was an important route for trade ships until the Panama Canal was completed and began operating in 1914.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Seven: Sunday, February 16 - Pia Glacier and Garibaldi Glacier.

Breakfast: On board the MV Via Australis.

Morning: This morning the ship will navigate the Beagle Channel and Pia Fjord in preparation for activities around the Pia Glacier.

Disembark near Pia Glacier. A short hike to a local lookout point will culminate in spectacular views of towering mountains and glaciers.

Lunch: On board the MV Via Australis.

Afternoon: Enter Garibaldi Fjord along the southern coast of Tierra del Fuego. Disembark and take part in an exhilarating excursion through Patagonian forests to reach a waterfall of glacial origins. Don't forget to bring your camera! The site offers spectacular views.

Participants who wish to skip the hike and remain on the ship will have an opportunity to view the Garibaldi Glacier from the outdoor decks.

Group leader lecture: Anecdotes from Darwin's Wanderings in Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Eight: Monday, February 17 - Piloto and Nena Glaciers/Agostini Sound and Aguil...

Breakfast: On board the MV Via Australis.

Morning: Sail through Cockburn Channel and drop anchor at Chico Sound. Board Zodiac boats and navigate the icy waters of the Alakaluf Fjord to admire cascading waterfalls and the Piloto and Nena Glaciers as they make their way towards the ocean. Take special note of the deep blue color of Piloto Glacier; a natural phenomenom caused by the ice's absorption of red light and the reflection and scattering of blue light.

Naturalist lecture: Formation of Glaciers and the Geography of the Fuegian-Patagonian Channels.

Lunch: On board the MV Via Australis.

Afternoon: Sail to Agostini Sound (a.k.a. Agostini Fjord) and its spectacularly beautiful scenery. From this vantage point it will be possible to view glaciers flowing down from the mountains. Head to Aguila Glacier and disembark at a local beach. Admire the local landscape and acquaint yourself with the region's vegetation during an easy walk along the shoreline, ending at a viewing spot in front of the Aguila Glacier. Learn about Patagonia's cold rainforest and the powerful natural forces that helped shape the lands in this remote region.

Description: This unique lodge is comprised of geodesic domes and takes its inspiration from dwellings once used by the ancient nomadic peoples of Patagonia. Every aspect of the camp's design was carefully planned to provide attractive and comfortable facilities with minimal impact to the local environment. Meals are served in the dining room, in a community dome, and the menu is a blend of Chilean and international cuisines prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. Guests have priviledged views of Torres del Paine National Park's breathtaking scenery, including the towering granite towers, from the comfort of their own domes or while lounging on the camp's terrace.
The EcoCamp takes pride in being the first ISO14001 and ISO 9001 certified hotel in Patagonia. Energy for the camp is generated by solar panels and a micro-hydro turbine (power is 220 V AC). The domes are made of renewable materials and a sophysticated recycling system handles lodge waste.

Room amenities: Each Suite Dome (300ft² area) has comfortable bedding, a low-emission stove, a fully-equipped private bathroom with a state of the art composting toilet and a propane heater. Electricity is limited inside the domes, so hairdryers are not permitted (laptops and cameras are ok to charge). Ceiling windows are perfect for star gazing from the comfort of your cozy bed. An enclosed verandah provides a nice place to read or dry wet clothes inside your dome, while an outdoor terrace offers an inviting place to enjoy a glass of wine and chat after a full day of activities.
Smoking is only allowed outdoors.

Morning: Weather permitting, disembark at Magdalena Island located in the Strait of Magellan. A walk to the local lighthouse will take us past the island's large colony of Magellanic penguins.
Magdalena Island was first declared a forest reserve in 1967, before being reclassified as a national park in 1983. The park is home to unique vegetation including fuinques, arrayáns, tiacas, female mañios, tineos, quilas, tepas, voquis, and coicopihues. Although resident Magellanic penguins tend to steal the show with their comical appearance and noisy antics, visitors should not overlook the island's other interesting inhabitants. Mammals found in the park include marine and river otters, guiñas, pudús, sealions, and fur seals. Bird lovers will not be disappointed-- Magdalena also has a rich avian population which includes petrels, cormorants, ducks, gulls, sandpipers, tyrant flycatchers, thrushes, and plovers.

Return to the ship and set sail for Punta Arenas.
Disembark at Punta Arenas around 11:30 a.m.

Punta Arenas was originally set up directly on the sea, but later moved inland to a more hospitable spot along the Las Minas River. Once established, Punta Arenas grew as a port town and as a penal colony. Today, the city is vibrant and modern and serves as a gateway to both Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia--two regions notoriously rich in natural wonders.

Transfer to Torres del Paine National Park via Puerto Natales. Snacks will be provided on the bus to help tide us over until we stop for lunch at Puerto Natales. The drive from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales takes approximately 3 hours and from there to the camp in Torres del Paine is another 2 hours.

Upon arrival in Puerto Natales, stretch your legs during a short exploratory walk down the city's quaint streets before sitting down for a hearty lunch at a local restaurant, featuring local cuisine.

En route, visit the Monumento Natural Cueva de Milodon; a massive prehistoric cave where the remains of a giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890s. The site is located in a transition zone, where forests and arid plains meet, and is home to a large number of bird species.

Description: This unique lodge is comprised of geodesic domes and takes its inspiration from dwellings once used by the ancient nomadic peoples of Patagonia. Every aspect of the camp's design was carefully planned to provide attractive and comfortable facilities with minimal impact to the local environment. Meals are served in the dining room, in a community dome, and the menu is a blend of Chilean and international cuisines prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. Guests have priviledged views of Torres del Paine National Park's breathtaking scenery, including the towering granite towers, from the comfort of their own domes or while lounging on the camp's terrace.
The EcoCamp takes pride in being the first ISO14001 and ISO 9001 certified hotel in Patagonia. Energy for the camp is generated by solar panels and a micro-hydro turbine (power is 220 V AC). The domes are made of renewable materials and a sophysticated recycling system handles lodge waste.

Room amenities: Each Suite Dome (300ft² area) has comfortable bedding, a low-emission stove, a fully-equipped private bathroom with a state of the art composting toilet and a propane heater. Electricity is limited inside the domes, so hairdryers are not permitted (laptops and cameras are ok to charge). Ceiling windows are perfect for star gazing from the comfort of your cozy bed. An enclosed verandah provides a nice place to read or dry wet clothes inside your dome, while an outdoor terrace offers an inviting place to enjoy a glass of wine and chat after a full day of activities.
Smoking is only allowed outdoors.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Ten: Wednesday, February 19 - Torres del Paine - Western Lakes.

Breakfast: At the camp dining room.

Morning: Drive across Torres del Paine National Park enjoying views of Paine Grande and its snowy peaks, as well as Los Cuernos – the famous mountain with black granite horn-like spires. Walk along the shores of stunning Lake Pehoe and visit the furious Salto Grande Falls which pour the waters of Lake Nordenskjold into Pehoe. The walk continues over the gentle Nordenskjold trail until reaching its picture-perfect lookout point. After returning to the vehicle, back at Lake Pehoe, drive south to a beach along the shores of glacial Lake Grey.

Lunch: Box lunch by the lake.

Afternoon: After lunch, walk around Lake Grey to have a better view of the glacier.
Leader-led site lecture: The Geological History of the Southern Andes.

Description: This unique lodge is comprised of geodesic domes and takes its inspiration from dwellings once used by the ancient nomadic peoples of Patagonia. Every aspect of the camp's design was carefully planned to provide attractive and comfortable facilities with minimal impact to the local environment. Meals are served in the dining room, in a community dome, and the menu is a blend of Chilean and international cuisines prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. Guests have priviledged views of Torres del Paine National Park's breathtaking scenery, including the towering granite towers, from the comfort of their own domes or while lounging on the camp's terrace.
The EcoCamp takes pride in being the first ISO14001 and ISO 9001 certified hotel in Patagonia. Energy for the camp is generated by solar panels and a micro-hydro turbine (power is 220 V AC). The domes are made of renewable materials and a sophysticated recycling system handles lodge waste.

Room amenities: Each Suite Dome (300ft² area) has comfortable bedding, a low-emission stove, a fully-equipped private bathroom with a state of the art composting toilet and a propane heater. Electricity is limited inside the domes, so hairdryers are not permitted (laptops and cameras are ok to charge). Ceiling windows are perfect for star gazing from the comfort of your cozy bed. An enclosed verandah provides a nice place to read or dry wet clothes inside your dome, while an outdoor terrace offers an inviting place to enjoy a glass of wine and chat after a full day of activities.
Smoking is only allowed outdoors.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Eleven: Thursday, February 20 - Northeastern Torres del Paine.

Breakfast: At the camp dining room.

Morning: Start the day with a drive towards Laguna Azul, in the northeastern side of the national park. Stop to take photos of the gorgeous landscapes and the local flora and fauna along the road, including a stop at Paine Waterfall.

Once at Laguna Azul, hike to a lookout point where there is a panoramic view of the lagoon and the famous granite towers that give the park its name. Continue along the eastern side of Lago Sarmiento, to the calcium formations on the lake’s shores where guanacos are often seen.

Lunch: Box lunch in the park.

Afternoon: After lunch, walk to Paso Las Corneas for beautiful views of Rio Paine, Lake Pehoe and the Paine Massif.
Leader-led site lecture: The Animals of the Southern Andes.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: Subject to availability.Room type and rates are subject to availability. Please contact the program coordinator, Holbrook Travel, at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com for information on availability and rates.

Check out time: 11:00 AM

Day Twelve: Friday, February 21 - Transfer to Punta Arenas/Fly to Santiago.

Smoking policy: YesSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: Subject to availability.Room type and rates are subject to availability. Please contact the program coordinator, Holbrook Travel, at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com for information on availability and rates.

Visit to the Plaza del Armas and the Pre-Columbian Museum, followed by a funicular ride up to San Cristobal Hill for panoramic views of Santiago and a site lecture. Site lecture by local guide: European Influences in the Growth and Development of Santiago.

Lunch: On your own to explore local fare. There are many dining options around the base of San Cristobal Hill, in the Bella District.

Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to explore the city at your leisure.

Pre-dinner social hour at a café in the Las Tarrias neighborhood of Santiago for a leader-led discussion on the cuisine of the region. Try some tasty local tapas (appetizers) while sharing stories of your independent explorations of Santiago earlier in the day (drinks at own expense).

Morning: Field trip to a local winery around Santiago. Learn about local viniculture and participate in a wine tasting.

Chileans have produced fine wines for over a century, although the conquistadors also planted vines. The origin of today's world-class Chilean wines stems from cuttings brought over from French vineyards in the mid-19th century before their stock was decimated by disease. Later, the European vines were grafted onto disease-resistant American stock. Chilean growers, however, had the advantage of original, non-grafted vines from France as well as an ideal climate in the Central Valley. Chilean wines are becoming more and more popular around the world as they continue to win prizes at prestigious international wine tasting competitions.

Lunch: Farewell lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Return to the hotel, followed by time at leisure to get some rest, enjoy hotel amenities, and/or do some last minute packing.

Late afternoon refreshments at the hotel before heading out to the airport to catch international flights to the U.S.

Evening: Transfer to the international airport to catch overnight flights to the U.S.

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

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The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!